CHAPTER XVI.. The Storms of Hereditary Succession.

THE STORMS OF HEREDITARY SUCCESSION.

From 1582 to 1608.

Anguish and Death of Ivan IV.--His Character.--Feodor and Dmitri.--Usurpation of Boris Gudenow.--The Polish Election.--Conquest of Siberia.--Assassination of Dmitri.--Death of Feodor.--Boris Crowned King.--Conspiracies.--Reappearance of Dmitri.--Boris Poisoned.--The Pretender Crowned.--Embarrassments of Dmitri.--A New Pretender.--Assassination of Dmitri.--Crowning of Zuski.--Indignation of Poland.--Historical Romance.